Argentina Declares National Mourning Amidst Flooding Tragedy

Argentina declares three days of national mourning after flash floods in Bahia Blanca resulted in 16 confirmed deaths. The flooding, attributed to climate change, has caused significant infrastructure damage and led to power outages. Government efforts are underway to support victims and allocate emergency funds for reconstruction.

Argentina has declared three days of national mourning following the rise in the death toll from recent flash flooding to 16 people, with several individuals remaining unaccounted for. The catastrophic floods occurred when an entire year’s worth of rainfall fell in just a few hours in Bahia Blanca, a significant port city in southern Buenos Aires province. Numerous neighborhoods were submerged due to the rapidly rising waters.

Tragic reports have brought forth the story of two sisters, aged one and five, who were swept away by the turbulent waters. Provincial security minister Javier Alonso confirmed their tragic disappearance, stating the girls climbed onto a van’s roof with their mother to escape flooding. The mother was rescued, but the search continues for the young girls in an area still submerged under over a meter of water.

The mayor of Bahia Blanca, Federico Susbielles, reported in a press conference that the flooding has resulted in infrastructure damages estimated at $400 million. Additionally, he highlighted the possibility of more fatalities as search efforts progress, noting that “there are 16 confirmed deaths, but there are likely to be more.”

Power outages plagued much of the coastal area as city officials suspended electricity due to the flooding. In a statement late Sunday, the office of Argentine President Javier Milei confirmed the declaration of national mourning, emphasizing that the national government’s full support would be offered to the victims during this period of grief.

The government has allocated emergency reconstruction funds amounting to 10 billion pesos (approximately $9.2 million). Football star Lionel Messi expressed his condolences via Instagram, stating, “Much strength to all those who are having a rough time in this difficult moment.”

Environment official Andrea Dufourg commented on the flooding as an indication of climate change, insisting that communities must prepare for future weather events by educating citizens and implementing effective early warning systems. Bahia Blanca has experienced prior weather-related disasters, including a December 2023 storm that led to 13 fatalities and extensive infrastructure damage.

In conclusion, Argentina faces a tragic situation as the nation mourns the loss of 16 lives due to devastating floods in Bahia Blanca. The impact of climate change has been cited as a contributing factor, prompting government actions to assist the victims and address the infrastructure damage. Leaders and public figures express solidarity with those affected, emphasizing the need for preparedness against such environmental disasters in the future.

Original Source: www.news.com.au